NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.
The government agency says the bridge next to the Wick Wick roundabout, which was condemned last year after engineers found “structural failures” during a routine inspection, will not now be removed until next March.
It says this is because the amount of time needed for construction of the new bridge has been reduced, which means the old one can stay open to pedestrians and cyclists for longer.
National Highways issued an update on the plans on July 31.
The agency said: “We’re continuing to work with utility providers and other authorities to ensure services can be moved prior to demolition of the bridge.
“This work is due to start in October, following the installation of the new routes under the M4.
“We’ve also been working with our construction partners to refine the programme for demolition and installation of the new bridge.
“We’ve reduced the amount of time needed for construction, meaning we’re able to continue to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use the bridge until we start preparing for demolition.
“We’re working towards a demolition date of March 2025, subject to the successful diversion of all utilities within the bridge.”
Workers have been clearing vegetation next to the bridge and building a temporary compound.
National Highways said: “We’ve also implemented environmental mitigation measures to protect wildlife in the area. Once work is complete, the compound will be removed, and the area returned to an improved condition.
“We’re working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to align any proposed work along the A432 and at the Wick Wick roundabout.
“You may also see a reduction in traffic management along the ring road, following changes to road markings that should improve vehicle movements along the A4174.”
The M4 will be closed between Hambrook and Tormarton as part of the work, overnight on September 12.
The bridge was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July last year, severing the A432 between Yate and Downend.
The replacement bridge is scheduled to open in early 2026.